SACRAMENTO, CA — The president of the largest Hispanic/Latino Christian organization in the U.S. and the general superintendent of the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world are celebrating President Trump’s recent announcement that houses of worship are “essential” institutions and should reopen. “Churches are essential. The spiritual health of our nation is essential. Churches can reopen safely with all CDC recommendations in place. Thank you POTUS for federally recognizing this truth. #safelyopenchurches,” said Rev. Samuel Rodriguez in a tweet.

Rodriguez is president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, which represents more than 40,000 congregations in the U.S. and Latin America.

Doug Clay, general superintendent of Assemblies of God, which counts with 6 million members in the U.S., joined Rodriguez.

“Grateful @POTUS continues to recognize churches as essential places of faith and encourages states let them ‘open right now’ with today’s announcement! #PentecostSundayComing,” tweeted Clay.

Earlier this month, Rev. Rodriguez issued a call for churches to begin reopening by the end of the month. The NHCLC released guidelines for a four-phase reopening plan churches can adopt.

“Our faith was never meant to be lived or experienced alone, but in a community. That’s why our churches cannot remain in lockdown forever. We must seek the appropriate and responsible paths for our churches to reopen, caring with the utmost care not only for the physical health but also the spiritual well-being of every member in our communities,” said Rev. Rodriguez in a press statement.

In April, Rev. Rodriguez was appointed to The Heritage Foundation’s National Coronavirus Recovery Commission. The commission has released recommendations crafted by a team of expert advisers. Read the executive summary here.

In addition to his participation with the commission, Rev. Rodriguez, along with a selected group of national faith leaders, continues to consult with the White House on reopening the country.

To request an interview with an NHCLC spokesperson, please email press@thekcompany.co.

Rev. Dr. Samuel Rodriguez is president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, executive producer of “Breakthrough” with 20th Century Fox and bestselling author of “You Are Next: Destroy What Has Paralyzed You and Never Miss Your Moment Again” (Charisma House Publishing). CNN and FOX News have called him “the leader of the Hispanic Evangelical movement” and TIME magazine nominated him among the 100 most influential leaders in America.

The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference is recognized and identified by Time Magazine, New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Christianity Today, Charisma Magazine, NBC, Telemundo, Univision, Fox News and CNN as America’s largest and most influential Hispanic/Latino Christian organization with more than 40,000 certified member churches in the United States and chapters in Latin America.

Website | www.nhclc.org Twitter | @nhclc

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